Posted by FCCARKANSAS on 5/20/07 9:26pm
Msg #191035

Making this a full time occupation!

Any advice from you guys for someone who has been doing this for several months part time, but has decided to go full time?

Reply by goodgirl on 5/20/07 9:56pm
Msg #191036

Don't give up your day job.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 5/20/07 10:16pm
Msg #191039

Research, Planning, Research, Planning

FCC, I'd suggest that you keep asking that question to men and women who are doing it full-time because they are better suited to give you objective advice. Have you done enough market research to know whether or not full-time opportunities exist in your territory? Are you new to this site? If so, check past postings by using the "orange" search button on the Notary Talk page. There's some sound advice on this same subject. I have had my business (part-time) for less than 12 months and I'm very happy that I didn't attempt to do this full-time from the get go. There's still so much I don't know about business to pursue it full-time. I wish you luck.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 5/21/07 8:13am
Msg #191070

How many signing have you done? Have you done only refi's or also Purchases and Reverse? Have you signed up with at least 200 signing services (300 would be better)? Are you prepared to work at marketing youself 40 hours a week PLUS any signings you are doing? Are you a self starter? Do you have at least 18 months of living expenses saved up. If you've done less than 100 signings, have not signed up with a MINIMUM of 200 signing services and only done Refi's it will be very difficult. It could very easily be 18 months or longer before you can earn a living at this business. If you are not prepared to live and breathe this business for about 60 hours a week and are not a self starter, DO NOT GIVE UP YOUR DAY JOB.

People that have been doing this for 4 and 5 years are looking to diversify their business and many have gone back to a REAL JOB and are doing this part time because it is next to impossible to earn a full time living in this business today (Thank you NNA).

Read message 33325 in its entirety!

Reply by Poppy on 5/21/07 9:02am
Msg #191075

Well said, Dorothy... n/m

Reply by Susan Fischer on 5/21/07 11:07pm
Msg #191234

"...live and breathe this business..." Yup; breathe in....

and out..........

And in each breath there are myriad components, some expire with the exhale, some, try to stick in one's craw, and some, are as sweet as the scent of a freshly squeezed orange on a sunny summer morning.

Let's talk about the craw.

Dorothy's snapshot pretty well covers the wherewithall it takes to make it in this business, and the mandatory marketing it takes. I would add - learn bookkeeping. Get QuickBooks and read the manual, go through the practice company, then set yours up for this business, and work your plan - beginning with good books. Don't leave out the budget process. Talk to other entrepreneurs and gain from their insights, and, start an agressive savings account. Pay cash for everything.

All the best, and you'll find the best advice in the posts on this forum if you Search, Read, and Learn. Oh, and Save, save, save.

Cheers!
Susie

Reply by Stephanie_CA on 5/21/07 12:35pm
Msg #191110

Re: Making this a full time occupation!/I am a part time....

Notary Signing Agent and thankful I have a full time position with a salary and benefits (vacation, Medical, 401k)
If you have a full time job, hang onto it and give more thought to going full time as a Signing Agent.
Just my opinion.

Stephanie

Reply by Joe Ewing on 5/21/07 1:24pm
Msg #191131

Every Monday morning I'm unemployed... I'm a full time signing agent and my phone hasn't rung all morning. The question you have to ask yourself is "can you handle the pressure?"

Reply by MistarellaFL on 5/21/07 2:05pm
Msg #191145

Every Monday morning I'm unemployed

Ain't it the truth?! Ain't it the truth?!

Reply by RickG/CA on 5/21/07 2:35pm
Msg #191161

I'd do some homework, lots of prayer, and ask a whole lot of questions. If that's not enough, move to California and see if you can survive during this latest housing rut. Is there a reason why I have time to read and respond to postings....